The 13th Annual Youngsville Lions' Club Gumbo/Chile Cook-Off took place today in Youngsville, with great entertainment and all-you-can-eat chili and gumbo for only $5!

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I tried a new recipe (called White Chili) today, and it seemed to be a hit with everyone (except the judges, unfortunately)!

The event saw around 40 teams competing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies in the Amateur status for chili, gumbo and seafood gumbo categories, and 1st place for Professional chili and Professional gumbo categories.

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I don't remember who won what, but, if my memory does serve me correctly (it hasn't served me correctly since 1986), the City of Youngsville placed, Pat's Grocery placed, Allied Discount Tire placed,  Iberia Medical placed.....  hmmmmm...   (remembering 3 out of 11 isn't too bad, is it?)....

My chili consisted of everything that goes into a chile, minus the tomatoes and beef.  I used ground pork (10%), smoked sausage (10%), ground turkey (10%), and smoked turkey (70%).  White beans, shoepeg corn, bell pepper, onion, green chilies, celery, cumin (and other spices) rounded out what WOULD HAVE BEEN the People's Choice Award, had they been giving a People's Choice Award.  They didn't.

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My brother Jim and I were hoping to place, but knew that placing wasn't the important part of the competition:  getting together for a great cause and helping raise money WAS the important part, and it seems like we were successful!

Cajun Express Catering allowed us to share their catering trailer with them to prepare our chili.  Nick and Jacob were preparing chicken and sausage gumbo and a traditional red chili (with ground beef).  Obviously, the judges didn't like them, either.

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The big winners for the day:  The organizations and individuals that are served by the donations from the Youngsville Lions' Club.

If you would like to become a member of the Youngsville Lions' Club, call (337) 837-9993.

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